Tempestus Scions 2k List

Continuing from last time where I posted about initial lists for 9th Edition, I have another. Since I acquired a ton of old metal 3rd edition storm troopers I have been thinking of running a Tempestus Scions list and with the Psychic Awakening "The Greater Good" really flushing out Scions, there hasn't ever been a better time.

Militarum Tempestus 2k- 133rd Lambdan Lions ("4th Necromunda")
2000 points, 10 CP (Imperial Commanders Armoury, Inquisitorial Mandate)
Battalion Detachment
HQ: Tempestor Prime- 50: Tempestus Command Rod, Power Fist; Warlord: 133rd Lions- Keys to the Armoury, Relic: 133rd Lions- Refractor Field Generator
HQ: Tempestor Prime- 45: Tempestus Command Rod, Power Sword
HQ: Lord Commissar- 45: Plasma Pistol, Power Sword; Relic- Blade of Conquest
Inquisitor: Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex- 110: Arias, Storm Shield, Bolt Pistol; Warlord Trait: Psychic Mastery, Powers: Power Through Knowledge, Terrify, Dominate
Elites: Crusaders (7)- 140: Power Sword and Storm Shield
Elites: Ministorum Priest- 40: Autogun, Chainsword, Laspistol
Elites: Officer of the Fleet- 25: Laspistol
Elites: Ogryns (9)- 270: Ripper Guns, Frag Bombs
Elites: Scion Command Squad (4)- 45: 4 x Hot-shot Lasguns, Platoon Standard
Troops: Scions (10)- 125: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Hot-Shot Laspistol, Vox and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 4 x Flamers, 4 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Troops: Scions (5)- 55: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 2 x Grenade Launchers, 2 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Troops: Scions (5)- 55: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 2 x Grenade Launchers, 2 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Troops: Scions (10)- 140: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Plasma Pistol, Vox and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 4 x Meltaguns, 4 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Troops: Scions (10)- 135: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Hot-Shot Laspistol, Vox and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 4 x Meltaguns, 4 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Troops: Scions (10)- 120: Tempestor w/ Chainsword and Plasma Pistol, Vox and Hot-Shot Laspistol, 2 x Plasma Gun, 6 x Hot-Shot Lasguns
Flyer: Valkyrie- 165: 2 x Multi-Rocket Pods, Lascannon, 2 x Heavy Bolters
Flyer: Valkyrie- 165: 2 x Multi-Rocket Pods, Lascannon, 2 x Heavy Bolters
Dedicated Transport: Taurox Prime- 140: Taurox Gatling Cannon, 2 x Autocannons
Dedicated Transport: Taurox Prime- 120: Taurox Gatling Cannon, 2 x Hot-Shot Volley Guns

Going with the Lambdan Lions fluff of them helping out the Adeptus Mechanics really opens up some possibilities for some cool conversions. I plan to make my Valks out of the new Archeaopter. I also think that the Secutarii Hoplites with swords instead of spears will make great Crusaders for both this Army and my Sisters of Silence Adeptus Sororitas Proxy army.

This will really sell the theme with the fliers and the Admech Troops.

For the Ogryns, I am itching at picking up Victoria Miniatures Mud Crunchers.

As for running the Army, the idea would be for Rex and the Crusaders, Priest and Ogryns to head into the middle of the table, possibly with the Lord Commissar as well. Rex would use his psychic powers (which I boosted) to give the Ogryns a 5+ invuln to make them harder to shift. Sure Bullgryns may be more durable, but I like these models more, and the shooting profile isn't terrible. They are ultimately just there to absorb damage and anything they put out in return is icing on the cake. With the new blast rules, Grenadiers Strat on their Frag Bombs is also a good way to put out some damage.
Meanwhile the Priest is boosting the A of both squads and the Crusaders are just taking a lot on their 3+ storm shields. Rex can cast Terrify to spare them a scary overwatch as well. Going to really have to see how Dominate plays out as a power now that it no longer can affect vehicles, but Psychic Fortitude would be my go to back up.

Then the rest of the List is Scions running around doing Scion things. Lambdan Lions are an additional -1 AP to all ranged weapons, so AP -3 Hot-shots, -2 Flamers, -3 Plasma without overheat, and most impressively -5 Metla! And then the Taurox Galtings! Heavy 20, S4, AP-1. Get them into that reroll bubble around the Warlord and they are really working it. Mostly for fluff reasons I stuck with the WL trait and relic of their regiment, give the Warlord a 5+ invuln Aura and an ability to reroll 1's to hit (which will be great with the number of meltas in the list). Flier transport and deepstrike options dependent on scenario and secondaries.

Just want to note, the reason I don't have more volley guns is because of the limitations of the models I am using. It'd be nice to have a squad toting 4 of those around and use the strat that causes hotshots to do a mortal wound on 6s to hit.

Another potential change would depend on the Valkyrie performance. If I drop the Heavy Bolters, I could fit in Nork Deddog, who may be incredibly useful protecting the Tempestors. The other possibility is upgrading the rocket pods to hellstrikes and taking a normal Ogryn bodyguard, but that would largely depend on how I feel I am handling tanks.

Left me know if you have any thoughts, or if you are looking at scions yourself.

First 9th Edition List Concepts: Blood Angels, Death Korps and Custodes

Well 9th Edition is here, and it has vastly shifted the meta with new scenarios, list building rules, detachment limitations, new terrain rules, a smaller table size and nearly universal points increases.

Below are my first hot takes at lists as I rebaseline myself to 9th Edition

First Up, Blood Angels

BA 2k Terminators- 1997, 8 CP at Start
Patrol Detachment
HQ: Terminator Captain- 115: Relic Blade & Storm Shield, Relic- Veritas Vitae, Warlord- Speed of the Primarch
HQ: Terminator Librarian- 105: Force Axe, Storm Bolter, Powers- Quickening, Unleash Rage
Troops: Tactical Squad (6)- 115: Sergeant w/ Combi-Grav & Power Axe; Grav-Cannon; 4 x Bolters
Heavy Support: Land Raider Helios-  293: Helios Launcher, 2 x Twin Lascannons, Hunter Killer Missile, Storm Bolter

Vanguard Detachment
HQ: Brother Corbulo- 90: The Red Grail, Heaven's Teeth, Bolt Pistol
HQ: Terminator Chaplain- 98: Crozius Arcanum, Storm Bolter, Litanies: Invocation of Destruction, Exhortation of Rage
Elites: Terminator Ancient- 95:Lightning Claw, Relic- Standard of Sacrifice
Elites: Terminator Squad (5)- 192: Chainfist & Storm Bolter, 2 x PF & SB, Assault Cannon & PF, Sergeant w/ Power Sword & SB; Teleport Homer
Elites: Terminator Assault Squad (5)- 215: 5 x TH & SS; Teleport Homer
Elites: Cataphractii Terminator Squad (5)- 180: 5 x Dual Lightning Claw, Sarge w/ Grenade Harness
Elites: Tartaros Terminator Squad (5)- 189: Sergeant w/ Grenade Harness, Power Sword & Plasma Blaster; 2 x Combi-Bolter & Power Fist, Combi-Bolter & Chainfist, Reaper Autocannon & Chainfist
Heavy Support: Land Raider Crusader- 310: 2 x Hurricane Bolters, Twin Assault Cannon, Multi-Melta

I made this list to maximize terminators, who have become useful for their mid-board staying power. Calling it now, when the new codex drops and storm shields all become 4+ invulns, the cataphractii terminators are going to be great with their built in 4+ and the ability to still take 2 weapons.
However in the meantime, this list is meant to both be thematic and really adjust to the new battlespace. The Crusade will protect the Helios from assault and deliver one of the close combat kitted squads to the front along with 3 characters (Likely the Captain, Chaplain and Corbulo). The helios stores the tacticals, who are there to be a cheap, transportable (since the helios capacity is 6) troops choice to leave on an objecting. Loaded with grav to help take out primaris, custodes, terminators, death guard, and other high durability units showing up a lot in the early 9th meta.  Shooting terminators advance on their own and the Librarian and remaining terminator squad are prime candidates for deep strike. Two teleport homers in the list are left in my back field to warp to for escape or flanking protection as needed.

Next Up, Death Korps of Krieg

DKK 2k- 1997, 12 CP to start
Battalion Detachment
HQ: Marshal Karis Venner- 79: Momento Mori, Powersword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Warlord- Grand Strategist
HQ: Death Rider Squadron Commander- 54: Hot-Shot Laspistol, Demo-Charge, Power-Sword, Relic- The Blade of Conquest
HQ: Death Rider Squadron Commander- 52: Hot-Shot Laspistol, Demo-Charge, Hunting Lance
Elites: Death Rider Command Squad (4)- 60: 4 x Laspistol & Hunting Lance
Elites: Engineers (10)- 93: Watch Master w/ Chainsword, Shotgun & Melta-Bomb; 9 x Shotguns, Vox, Demo-Charge, Gas Grenades
Troops: Grenadier Storm Squad (10)- 97: WM w/ Chainsword & HS laspistol; 7 x HS Lasguns, 2 x Plasma Gun, Vox
Troops: Grenadier Storm Squad (10)- 103: WM w/ Chainsword & HS laspistol; 7 x HS Lasguns, 2 x Melta Gun, Vox
Troops: Grenadier Storm Squad (10)- 103: WM w/ Chainsword & HS laspistol; 7 x HS Lasguns, 2 x Melta Gun, Vox
Troops: Grenadier Storm Squad (6)- 53: WM w/ Chainsword & HS laspistol; 3 x HS Lasguns, 2 x Grenade Launcher, Vox
Fast Attack: Death Rider Squadron (10)- 150: WM w/ Hunting Lance & HS Laspistol; 9 x Hunting Lance & Laspistol
Fast Attack: Death Rider Squadron (10)- 150: WM w/ Hunting Lance & HS Laspistol; 9 x Hunting Lance & Laspistol
Fast Attack: Death Rider Squadron (10)- 150: WM w/ Hunting Lance & HS Laspistol; 9 x Hunting Lance & Laspistol
Heavy Support: Stygies Thunderer Siege Tank- 160: Demolisher Cannon, Heavy Stubber
Heavy Support: Stygies Thunderer Siege Tank- 160: Demolisher Cannon, Heavy Stubber
Heavy Support: Malcador Annihilator- 310: Twin Lascannon, Demolisher Cannon, 2 x Lascannons, Heavy Subber
Flyer: Thunderbolt Heavy Fighter- 225: 2 x Twin Autocannon, Twin Lascannon

So this list is really a standard DKK list however THEY FAQ'D THUNDERER SIEGE TANKS! THEY ARE ACTUALLY PLAYABLE! AND MALCADORS! And their low profile will be really nice in with the way terrain works now. Not to mention having 3 demolisher cannons with the new blast rules. And the malcador can now EAT UP other tanks since its twin lascannon can fire twice. And with smaller board sizes, once you get those lascannons into position, you should likely never need to move for range, meaning maximum firepower. The only downfall of these tanks are they are all still susceptible to close combat because the demolisher cannons can't fire and they have really nothing to clear out infantry. However, screening them with Death Riders will be great. Speaking of which, the new reserve rules really are great for the Death Riders, allowing some late game action by my horses. Lastly, sticking with grenadiers for their improved durability over normal kriegers and the ability to tote around some specialized firepower.

Finally, my first take at Custodes

Custodes 2k- 1998, 11 CP to start
Patrol Detahcment
HQ: Trajann Valoris- 190: Watcher's Axe, Misericordia
HQ: Jetbike Captain- 178: Hurricane Bolter, Interceptor Lance, Misericordia, Warlord- Superior Creation, Relic- Auric Aquillas, Captain Commander- Indomitable Constitution
Elites: Allarus Custodians (4)- 292: Castellan Axes, Misericordia
Elites: Vexilus Praetor- 128: Storm Shield, Misericordia, Vexilla Magnifica
Troops: Sagittarum Custodes (3)- 153: Adrastus Bolt Calivers, 1 x Misericordia
Troops: Guardians w/ Adrasite Spears (3): Adrasite Spears, Misericordia
Fast Attack: Vertus Praetors (3)- 294: Hurricane Bolters, Interceptor Lances, Misericordia
Fast Attack: Vertus Praetors (3)- 294: Hurricane Bolters, Interceptor Lances, Misericordia
Heavy Support: Telemon- 295: Caestus w/ Twin Plasma Projector, Arachnus Storm Cannon, Spiculus Bolt Launcher

Custodes are solid so far this edition, but numbers are still limited. I would likely drop Trajann in via From Golden Light with the Terminators. The Adrasite Spears are not something I've seen mentioned alot, but I like them for much the same reason I mentioned grav in the Blood Angels list- the ability to remove things like custodes, primaris etc. etc. I would run the bike squads together as cover for each other. The new "you have to reach everything you declare when you charge" makes the threat of a Stooping Dive incredible. Just keep the squads a few inches apart such that charging both is never likely, but will always be answered with a stooping dive. Running with them would be the INDESTRUCTIBLE JETBIKE CAPTAIN. 3+ invuln, 5+ FNP, 9 wounds. He is not dying. If this proves overkill though in the long run, I would likely swap Indomitable Constitution for Unstoppable Destroyer for some extra threat range. Last thing to really mention is the Telemon- Star of 9th. Dreadnoughts got better and he is king. Truly a threat to both vehicles and infantry in and out of combat. Fully expect a points hike at the first available opportunity.

Warzone Atlanta: A Few List Ideas

So its just been a busy few past months, but I am still hobbying away in my own time. Right now trying to prep and gear up for Warzone Atlanta. This will be my first WZA, and I am really really looking forward to it. One aspect I like is they have an award for the best monofaction army, so that is what I am working towards. I have no grandeur of delusions of winning anything. I just want to go and have a really good time, so with that in mind I have a few list ideas between my Angels, Guard/Krieg and my Custodes and I figured I'd post them up as something to hopefully reboot the blogging mojo.

LIST ONE- Necromundan 4th Irregulars (Death Korps of Krieg counts as)
2k pts, 10 CP -1 (Heirloom of Conquest)
-This is an army I have built and converted to look like 2nd Ed/Rogue Trader Guardsmen, but I use DKK rules for them as its the only way to field mass cavalry)

DKK Battalion
HQ- Marshal Karis Venner- 69: Warlord
HQ- Marshal- 37: Chainsword, Hot-shot Laspistol, Relic- Kurov's Aquilla
Elites- Combat Engineers (10)- 85: Watch Master (WM) w/ Chaisword and Shotgun; Vox; 9 x Shotguns, acid grenades
Troops- Grenadier Storm Squad (10)- 113: WM w/ Chainsword and Hot-shot Laspistol; Vox; 7 x Hot-Shot Lasguns, 2 x Meltagun
Troops- Grenadier Storm Squad (10)- 91: WM w/ Chainsword and Hot-shot Laspistol; Vox; 7 x Hot-Shot Lasguns, 2 x Grenade Launcher
Troops- Grenadier Storm Squad (8)- 75: WM w/ Chainsword and Hot-shot Laspistol; Vox; 7 x Hot-Shot Lasguns, 2 x Grenade Launcher
Fast Attack- Death Rider Squadron (10)- 160: Ridemaster w/ Hotshot Laspistol; 9 x Laspistol, 10 x Lances
Fast Attack- Death Rider Squadron (10)- 160: Ridemaster w/ Hotshot Laspistol; 9 x Laspistol, 10 x Lances
Fast Attack- Death Rider Squadron (10)- 160: Ridemaster w/ Hotshot Laspistol; 9 x Laspistol, 10 x Lances
Heavy Support- Heavy Weapons Squad (3)- 30: 3 x Mortars
Heavy Support- Trojan Support Vehicle- 98: Heavy Bolter

DKK Supreme Command
HQ- Death Rider Squadron Commander- 45: Demo-charge, Hot-shot Laspistol, Lance; Relic- Laurels of Command
HQ- Death Rider Squadron Commander- 45: Demo-charge, Hot-shot Laspistol, Lance
HQ- Death Rider Squadron Commander- 45: Demo-charge, Hot-shot Laspistol, Lance
Lord of War- Shadowsword- 562: Two Pairs of Twin Heavy Bolter + Lascannon Sponsons, Heavy Stubber, Volcano Cannon, Twin Heavy Bolter

Astra Militarum Vanguard
HQ- Primaris Psyker- 46: Force Stave, Laspistol, Power: Nightshroud
HQ- Primaris Psyker- 46: Force Stave, Laspistol, Power: Psychic Barrier
Elites- Techpriest Enginseer- 30: Power Axe, Laspistol, Servo Arm
Elites- Death Rider Commissar- 35: Chainsword, Laspistol
Elites- Death Rider Command Squad- 68: 4 x Laspistol, 4 x Lance

LIST TWO: Custodes
2k pts, 8 CP
Custodes Battalion
HQ- Trajann Valoris- 185
HQ- Jetbike Captain- 164: Warlord, Relic- Auric Aquilas; Bike w/ Hurricane Bolter, Misericordia
Elites- Vexilus Praetor- 124: Castellan Axe, Vexilia Magnifica
Troops- Custodian Guard (3)- 166: 2 x Storm Shield and Sentinel Blade, Guardian Spear
Troops- Custodian Guard (3)- 161: Storm Shield and Sentinel Blade, 2 x Guardian Spear
Troops- Sagittarun Custodes (4)- 200: 4 x Adrastus Bolt Caliver
Fast Attack- Vertus Praetors (3)- 282: 3 x Hurricane Bolters, 3 x Misericordia
Fast Attack- Vertus Praetors (3)- 278: 3 x Hurricane Bolters, 2 x Misericordia
Heavy Support- Caladius Grav Tank- 220: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon
Heavy Support- Caladius Grav Tank- 220: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon

LIST THREE: Blood Angels
2k pts, 9 CP
BA Battalion
HQ- Captain Slam- 124: Thunderhammer, Stormshield, Jump Pack; Relic - The Angel's Wing
HQ- Sanguinary Priest- 87: Jump Pack,  Handflamer, Chainsword
Troops- Intercessor Squad (5)- 85: Sarge w/ Bolt Rifle & Chainsword; 4 x Bolt Rifles, Aux Grenade Launcher
Troops- Intercessor Squad (5)- 85: Sarge w/ Bolt Rifle & Chainsword; 4 x Bolt Rifles, Aux Grenade Launcher
Troops- Scouts (5)- 98: Camo Cloaks, 4 x Sniper Rifle, Missile Launcher
Fast Attack- Bikesquad (6+1)- 207: Sarge w/ Combi-Flamer, 2 x Flamer, 3 x Chainsword; Attack bike w/ Multi-melta
Fast Attack- Supressor Squad (3)- 90: Accelerator Auto Cannons, Grav Chutes
Heavy Support- Rapier Carrier- 85: Quad Mortar

BA Vanguard
HQ- Lemartes- 100
HQ- Librarian on Bike- 127: Boltgun, Force Sword; Powers- Unleash Rage, Shield of Sanguinius
Elites- Death Company (8)- 178: Thunder Hammer, 2 x Handflamer and Chainsword, 5 x Bolter and Chainsword
Elites- Relic Sicaran Battle Tank- 215: Twin Accelerator Autocannon, 2 x Lascannons
Elites- Company Ancient- 81: Powerfist, Jump Pack
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought- 222: Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Atomantic Pavaise, Twin Heavy Bolter
Elties- Death Company Dreadnought- 136: Blood Talons, Meltagun, Storm Bolter, Magnagrapples
Dedicated Transport- Lucius Pattern Drop Pod: 80

If I do the Blood Angels, there is alot I may mess around with still. We shall see. May go more gimmicky (all dreads again. Dual Land Raiders. Who knows). But in the meantime, any opinions, votes or feedback is welcome!

Siege the Tower GT- Custodes Coverage

So at the end of may I attended the first GT pu on by an amazing local group

COASTAL WARGAMING

These guys really know how to get events going. Terrain was great (this is most important to note as there have been several GTs missing the mark on this lately). Missions were fun! Event was a blast. All good people and good times. No bad games or bad feelings that I experienced.

Unfortunately, this was back in MAY (really before Caladius were SUPER EXPLODING. But if you look back at my unit reviews, I had said this was the unit to use and the Telemon was fading) so I forget most of the details to write up a more extensive Batrep. I do know I discussed in in Hobby Progress on last month's episode of our Allies of Inconvenience Podcast, so check that out if you want to hear more.

First off my Army. I played Custodes for the event and took home Second for Painting (lost to a Wobbly Modeler using their board from Adepticon, which is an impressive thing if you've never seen it).

My list was as follows
Custodes Battalion- 1970 pts, 8 CP
HQ- Captain General Trajann Valoris- 185
HQ- Shield Captain on Dawneagle Jetbike- 169: Lance, Misericordia, Salvo Launcher, Warlord; Relic- Auric Aquilis
Troops- Custodian Guard (3)- 169: 2 x Spear & Misericordia, Sword & Storm Shield
Troops- Custodian Guard (3)- 169: 2 x Spear & Misericordia, Sword & Storm Shield

Troops- Custodian Guard (3)- 170: Spear &  Misericordia, 2 x Sword & Storm Shield
Elites- Vexilia Praetor: Misericordia, Storm Shield, Vexilia Magnifica
Fast Attack- Vertus Praetors (3)- 282: Misericordia, Hurricane Bolters, Lances
Fast Attack- Vertus Praetors (3)- 282: Misericordia, Hurricane Bolters, Lances
Heavy Support- Caladius Grav-Tank- 210: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon, Twin Lastrum Bolt Cannon
Heavy Support- Caladius Grav-Tank- 210: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon, Twin Lastrum Bolt Cannon

This isn't the list I initially wanted to run. I was going to do Blood Angels, but I wasn't getting the things I needed to finished painting done in time.

Game 1 vs Chaos Soup (WIN, 35-12)
Opponent's List
Thousand Sons Supreme Command Det
HQ- Ahriman on Disc
HQ- Exalted Sorcerer on Disc
HQ- Exalted Sorcerer on Disc
HQ- Exalted Sorcerer on Disc

CSM Flawless Hose Supreme Command Det
HQ- Chaos Lord W/ Jump Pack, Thunderhammer
HQ- Chaos Lord W/ Jump Pack, Thunderhammer
HQ- Lord Discordant on Helstaker w/ Baleflamer
HQ- Lord Discordant on Helstaker w/ Baleflamer
HQ- Master of Possession

CSD Nurgle Batallion
HQ- Poxbringer
HQ- Sloppity Bilepipper
Troops- Nurglings (6)
Troops- Plaugebearers (29): Plagueridden, Icon, Instrument
Troops- Plaugebearers (29): Plagueridden, Icon, Instrument

Overall, not much to say about Game one. I think my opponent could have better deployed his plague bearers (intertwining them instead of doing 2 blocks, which allowed me to focus on one and open a hole to move through) and better managed his Chaos Shrimp Lords, but I don't think he expected the bikes to handle them as well as they did.

Game 2 vs Genestealer Cult (LOSS, 34-8)
Opponent's List
GSC, Cult of the Four-Armed Emperor Battalion
Deliverance Bloodsurge Det
HQ: Acolyte Iconward, Field Commander
HQ: Primus
Troops: Acolyte Hybrids (10)- 4 Rending Claws, 4 Rocksaws, Flamer, Icon
Troops: Acolyte Hybrids (10)- 4 Rending Claws, 4 Rocksaws, Flamer, Icon
Troops: Acolyte Hybrids (20)- 12 Rending Claws, 6 Rocksaws, Icon

GSC, Mixed Cult Battalion
Anoited Throng
HQ: Magus, Familiar, Relic-Crouchling
HQ: Patriarch, Warlord, Familiar
Troops: Brood Brother Infantry (10)
Troops: Brood Brother Infantry (10)
Troops: Brood Brother Infantry (10)
Elites: Aberrants (10)- 8 Picks, 2 Improvised Weapons
Fast Attack: Atlan Jackals (5)- Shotguns and democharges
Heavy Support: Brood Brother Heavy Weapons Squad (3)- Mortars

Brood Brothers Air Wing Detachment
Flier: Vulture Gunship w/ Twin Punishers
Flier: Vulture Gunship w/ Twin Punishers
Flier: Vulture Gunship w/ Twin Punishers

Like 40 dudes appeared in front of them a minute later, with 5 bikes to their right

Abberants withstood bikes, nearly killed the squad, and then withstood a Captain's Charge.

There were 2 vultures here until I charged and killed one for spite

Well I killed his fliers and a lot of guys. But without a screen I was on the back foot from the beginning. Lost to a better player fair and square. However Abberants are a little OP for their cost IMO, but that was far from the determining factor. Even without them or had I killed them, I would have lost. Maybe a little better score, but no chance of winning.

Game 3 vs Chaos Soup (LOSS, 34-12)
Opponent's List
Thousand Sons Supreme Command
HQ: Ahriman on Disc
HQ: Daemon Prince of Tzeentch, Malefic Talon, Wings, Warp Bolter
HQ: Daemon Prince of Tzeentch, Malefic Talon, Wings, Warp Bolter
LoW: Magnus the Red

CSD Undivided Battalion
HQ: Herald of Slaneesh on Steed
HQ: Kairos Fateweaver
Troops: Nurglings (3)
Troops: Nurglings (3)
Troops: Nurglings (3)

Death Guard Super Heavy Aux Det
LoW: Mortarion

This game was WAY CLOSER than the Score Suggests. Like Bottom of three was the make or break. I got a charge onto Morty, Magnus AND Fateweaver after having shot them. THEY WERE ALL IN THEIR LAST HEALTH BRACKET. LIKE LESS THAN 4 WOUNDS EACH. AND I FAILED TO KILL ANY OF THEM. They then proceeded to kill all of my Bikes and take out both Caladius (along with a bunch of smites). After that it was done. Had I killed any one of them I think the game could have been a draw, or a 1-2 point difference for either of use. Had I killed 2 in that turn, I would have won. The dice gods did not favour me.

Game 4 vs Imperial Soup (Knights) (LOSS, 17-16)
Opponent's List
House Taranis Knight Lance Super Heavy Det
LoW: Armiger Helverin
LoW: Armiger Helverin
LoW: Knight Crusader- Character, Heirloom: Endless Fury, Warlord Trait Cunning Commander, Meltagun, Twin Icarus, , Avenger Gatling, Heavy Flamer, Rapid Fire Battle Cannon, Heavy Stubber
LoW: Knight Crusader- Character, Heirloom: Fury of Mars, Warlord Trait Knight of Mars, Melta Gun, Thermal Cannon, Twin Icarus, Avenger Gatling Cannon, Heavy Flamer
LoW: Knight Preceptor- Character, Heirloom: The Helm Dominatus, Warlord Trait Ion Bulwark, Multi-Laser, Thunderstrike Guantlet

Cadian Battalion
HQ: Company Commander
HQ: Commissar
Troops: Infantry Squad (10)
Troops: Infantry Squad (10)
Troops: Infantry Squad (10)
Elites: Platoon Commander
Elites: Tech Priest Enginseer

This was the most tactical and precise game I played of the weekend. Had it been any other deployment map than lengthwise I think I would have won outright because he would not have been able to avoid the caladius as much as he did. Even still I won the game at the top of Turn 6 and lost it in the bottom. My calladius really controlled his knight movement and I had to use a DS squad of guardians attacking his Cadians to bring his Knights out of position for my bikes to act (so they didn't get into combat until T4). Top of six I got Slay the Warlord with my warlord. Bottom of 6 he got his 4+ Zombie-Knight roll with his last command point, brought back his Warlord, as used it to kill mine... all with 1 wound left. 2 point swing in the score... and he won by 1.

Game 5 vs Imperial Soup (Admech) (WIN, 13-7)
Opponent's List

Mars Battalion

HQ: Cawl

HQ: Tech Priest Dominus, Macrostubber, Volkite Blaster, Relic- Autocaduceus of Arkhan Land

Troops: Kataphron Destroyers (5)- Plasma Culverins & Phosphor Blasters

Troops: Skitari Ranger (7)- Omnispex, Galvanic Rifle, 2 x Transauranic Arquebus

Troops: Skitari Ranger (7)- Omnispex, Galvanic Rifle, 2 x Transauranic Arquebus

Heavy Support: Kastellan Robots (2)- 2 x Heavy Phosphor Blasters

Heavy Support: Onager Dunecrawler- Broad Spectrum Tether, Cognis Heavy Stubber, Nuetron Laser & Cognis Heavy Stubber

Heavy Support: Onager Dunecrawler- Broad Spectrum Tether, Cognis Heavy Stubber, Icarus Array

House Raven Exalted Court Super Heavy Det

LoW: Armiger Warglaive

LoW: Armiger Warglaive

LoW: Knight Errant- Character, Warlord Trait Ion Bulwark, Iron Storm Missile Pod, Meltagun, Reaper Chainsword, Thermal Cannon

Imperial Assassins Aux Support Det

Elites: Vindicare Assassin

This game went much like my first. I think this time the map did my opponent no favours, as with the NOVA "L" he was unable to set up good fire lanes with his shooty army, and I just got in there and did what Custodes did best and killed. I wasn't too worried about objectives at this point, as I had already lost 3 games, and instead focused on just having a solid game.

Weekend Fun List: Custodes + Sisters 2k

Played a really fun game versus Chaos yesterday.

I didn't manage to snag my opponents list fully but I can sum it up
Ahriman
Sorcerer
2 x Khorne Charaters (reroll wound and hits)
1 x Slaanesh Character
3 x Rhinos w/ 8 Beserkers in each
Large 20+ man noise marine squad
40 cultists
2 x 10 cultists
20 or 30 Tzaangors

My list:
Custodes Outrider Det- 1652 pts, +1 CP
HQ- Shield Capt on Dawneagle Jetbike: Relic- Auric Aquilis, Hurricane Bolter, Misercordia, Lance, Warlord (Impregnable Mind)- 164 pts
HQ- Shield Capt on Dawneagle Jetbike: Salvo Launcher, Misercordia, Lance- 179 pts
Elites- Vexilus Praetor: Storm Shield, Vexila Defensor- 115 pts
Fast Attack- Caladius Grav Tank: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon, Twin Lastrum Bolt Cannon- 315 pts
Fast Attack- Caladius Grav Tank: Twin Illiastus Accelerator Cannon, Twin Lastrum Bolt Cannon- 315 pts
Fast Attack- Vertus Praetors (6): 6 x Lance, 6 x Hurricane Bolters, 6 x Misercordia- 564 pts

Sisters of Battle Battalion Det-348 pts, +5CP
HQ- Canoness: Power Sword, Storm Bolter- 51 pts
HQ- Canoness: Chain Sword, Boltgun- 45 pts
Troops- Battle Sister Squad (5): Sister Superior w/ Storm Bolter, Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, 4 x Sisters w/ Boltguns- 47 pts
Troops- Battle Sister Squad (5): Sister Superior w/ Storm Bolter, Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, 4 x Sisters w/ Boltguns- 47 pts
Troops- Battle Sister Squad (6): Sister Superior w/ Storm Bolter, Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, 4 x Sisters w/ Boltguns, 1 x Sister w/ Metlagun- 73 pts
Heavy Support- Retributor Squad (5): Sister Superior w/ Boltgun, Chainsword, Bolt Pistol, 4 x Sisters w/ Heavy Bolters- 85 pts

Really, the bikes did all the work for me. His noise marines very quickly wiped out my Sisters, which was a bummer because I had hope to get some acts of faith action off with them, especially the Retributors. But they gave me the CP I needed to work it with my Custodes. +1 to overwatch and Swooping Dive really are great things. If you are looking for an alternative to the 32 guardsmen for some CP, consider sisters.

Starting AoS: Tamurkhan's Horde First Steps

So I've decided to make the plunge. I am starting an AoS army. Why now? Well AoS 2.0 seemed to relaunch a lot of interest. I also move alot and have an active AoS community where I currently live. Figured having an army I could use would only be a good thing.

PICKING AN ARMY
I wanted something relatively small, but unique in the meta and fun on the table top and to hobby. When the Tamurkhan's Horde pdf for AoS dropped, I knew it was perfect for me. I wanted something that would be fun and quick to build and paint, and I've always had fun painting Nurgle units. The Horde is a very assault oriented army with a rapid movement forward (I am a Blood Angel's player at heart), and it is unique and gimmicky (like my horse army). It is a perfect opportunity for some conversions along side some sweet forgeworld models. Bonus, the army is relatively low model count and isn't super competitive, so I don't have to worry about changing it or keeping it optimal. Sometimes it will hit like a ton of bricks and break people. Other times it won't. And I'm okay with that. This army truly is purely for the fun of it.

To sum up, Tamurkhan's Horde checks all the boxes I was looking for, so I went with it. I am already working on a 9th Age/WHFB 8th Ed Lizardmen Army and endless summoning doesn't seem like my bag, so Seraphon was kinda out. Chaos Dwarves were just TOO Expensive, and Beast of Chaos didn't have a battletome... yet. More on that to come.

MAKING THE ARMY LIST

This list I finally settled on

So I started with one of the Battalions from the T-Horde pdf. But the most I thought about that the more I realized it stunk and was a waste of points. I know I said this army wasn't meant to be competitive, but I also don't want to intentionally make TERRIBLE choices when there are better options that are just as fluffy but way more useful AND have opportunities to be creative.

I knew I was going to include the Maggot Lord himself, Tamurkahn. What's the point of the army if you don't include him. Kazyk the Befould also seemed like a no-brainer, and I originally rounded them off with just a Sorceror.

I also knew I still wanted 18 Plague Ogors at the core with 3 Bile Troggoths. This is the basis of the battalion and seemed fun. Just the added battalion was useless. The debate came down to 3 units of 6 Ogors or a unit of 12 and a unit of 6. The first way gave me 3 battlelines, but fewer points to work with, while the 3rd method gave me only 2 battleline meaning I would need a 3rd, but saved me some significant points with the full unit discount.

Knowing that I started looking around for another battleline... which at first only left me with marauders and warriors. Neither of these choices ever really excited me. I really wanted plague monks, but they were only battle line for Clan Pestilens. BUT looking into them made me realize how WORTH IT a Plague Priest with Plague Censer was in my army, so my characters grew by one and left me with a measly 160 points.

Beastmen from the Throne of Chaos book

At NOVA I had already procured my Ogor models and I had at this point basically resigned myself to just doing 20 marauders and an endless spell for the remaining points. And then Beast of Chaos dropped. And while I couldn't get Nurgle Marked beasts or pestigors into that 160 point slot, I COULD fit 20 normal gors, and these instantly excited me more. One, I had been considering Beasts of Chaos BEFORE picking T-Horde. Two, they are fast and assaulty and fit PERFECT with the theme of the Horde, even if they aren't especially boosted by its abilities. BUT that was really a third part of the attraction. They make the perfect unit that can operate OUTSIDE the command influence of my characters and can serve as objective holders, speed bumps or tarpit. And they were exactly 160 points. All the more perfect. The only debate I still have out on them is do I go with 2 units of 10 or one large unit of all 20. I feel some playtesting is required there.


MAKING THE MODELS
I managed to snap up 18 Ogor bodies and some random bags of weapons bits for cheap at the NOVA Open from the Toledo Game Room (the bestest most amazing vendor on the planet). With that purchase made, some cool old chaos bits I had, and some green stuff, I went to town.

And now to start painting!

Still have a ways to go, but it is a start and pretty fun so far from a creativity perspective.

NOVA Narrative: Fury of the Ancients (All Blood Angels Dreadnought list set)

This year at the NOVA open I will be participating in the Narrative Campaign. It is a set of 7 games, 4 recon patrol games (which I am not doing) and 1 Apocalypse game. You can check out the primer here. 

Games
2000 Point
1000 Point
1000 Point Doubles
2500 Point
1000 Point
1500 Point
1500 Point Doubles
3000+ Point Apocalypse

I wanted to run a theme for this event and decided this was the perfect opportunity to break out my Dreadening Concept. So I give you my all Dreadnought Force

FURY OF THE ANCIENTS

Dreadening 1k version 1- 997
Spearhead Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Librarian Dreadnought: 187- Furioso Force Halberd, Furioso Fist, Melta-gun; Smite + 2 Psychic Powers; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought: 184- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Magna Grapple
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: 237- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolters, Atomantic Pavaise
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannons
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannons
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 119- 2 x Assault Cannon

Dreadening 1k version 2- 999
Spearhead Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought: 204- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Heavy Flamer; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought : 169- 2 x Furioso Fist, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Magna Grapple
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: 237- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolters, Atomantic Pavaise
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannons
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannons
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 119- 2 x Assault Cannon

Dreadening 1k version 3: 995
Vanguard Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought: 204- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Heavy Flamer; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Moriar the Chosen): 189- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Cassor the Damned): 179- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Magna Grapples
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought : 149- 2 x Furioso Fist, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Contemptor Dreadnought: 165- Dreadnought CCW, Comb-Bolter, Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 109- 2 x Heavy Bolters

Dreadening 1500- 1499
Vanguard Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought: 204- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Heavy Flamer; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought : 149- 2 x Furioso Fist, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Cassor the Damned): 179- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Magna Grapples
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: 237- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolters, Atomantic Pavaise
Spearhead Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Librarian Dreadnought: 187- Furioso Force Halberd, Furioso Fist, Melta-gun; Smite + 2 Psychic Powers
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 119- 2 x Assault Cannon
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 109- 2 x Twin Heavy Bolters
Heavy Support- Relic Leviathan Dreadnought: 315- 2 x Storm Cannon Array, 2 x Heavy Flamer, Hunter Killer Missile

Dreadening 2k- 2000
Vanguard Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought: 204- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Heavy Flamer; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Moriar the Chosen): 189- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Cassor the Damned): 179- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Magna Grapples
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: 237- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolters, Atomantic Pavaise
Elites- Contemptor Dreadnought: 165- Dreadnought CCW, Comb-Bolter, Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
Spearhead Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Librarian Dreadnought: 187- Furioso Force Halberd, Furioso Fist, Melta-gun; Smite + 2 Psychic Powers
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 119- 2 x Assault Cannon
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannon
Heavy Support- Relic Leviathan Dreadnought: 356- Cyclonic Melta Lance, Leviathan Siege Claw, 2 x Heavy Flamer
Dedicated Transport- Lucius Pattern Drop Pod: 80

Dreadening 2500- 2500 lb.
Vanguard Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought: 204- 2 x Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Heavy Flamer; Warlord, Relic: Veritas Vitae
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Moriar the Chosen): 189- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Death Company Dreadnought (Cassor the Damned): 179- Blood Talons, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Magna Grapples
Elites- Relic Deredeo Dreadnought: 237- Anvillus Autocannon Battery, Twin Heavy Bolters, Atomantic Pavaise
Elites- Contemptor Dreadnought: 165- Dreadnought CCW, Comb-Bolter, Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought : 149- 2 x Furioso Fist, Melta-gun, Storm Bolter, Smoke Launchers
Elites- Furioso Dreadnought : 169- 2 x Furioso Fist, Melta-gun, Heavy Flamer, Magna Grapples
Spearhead Detachment (+1 CP)
HQ- Librarian Dreadnought: 187- Furioso Force Halberd, Furioso Fist, Melta-gun; Smite + 2 Psychic Powers
Elites- Redemptor Dreadnought: 206- Heavy Onslaught Cannon, Onslaught Gatling Cannon, Dreadnought CCW, 2 x Fragstorm Launchers, Icarus Rocket Pod
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 109- 2 x Twin Heavy Bolters
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannon
Heavy Support- Mortis Dreadnought: 135- 2 x Twin Autocannon
Heavy Support- Relic Leviathan Dreadnought: 356- Cyclonic Melta Lance, Leviathan Siege Claw, 2 x Heavy Flamer
Dedicated Transport- Lucius Pattern Drop Pod: 80